Six people have been sentenced for the murder of Joanne Penney, who was shot at point-blank range on a doorstep in Talbot Green, South Wales. The 40-year-old mother was killed on March 9, 2025, when a bullet fired by Marcus Huntley penetrated her heart and left lung, lodging in the rear of her chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene on Llys Illtyd at around 6.10pm.
Defendants and Roles
Marcus Huntley, 21, pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Penney and pulling the trigger. Jordan Mills-Smith, 34, Joshua Gordon, 28, Kristina Ginova, 22, and Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, were found guilty of her murder. Renaldo Baptiste, 39, who was already serving a life sentence for a separate murder, was also convicted of orchestrating the killing from his prison cell.
The court heard that the murder was rooted in a clash between rival organised crime groups over drug dealing territory. Joshua Gordon allegedly led the “Rico OCG”, which expanded into South Wales, specifically Talbot Green. This expansion was “not taken well” by a rival group led by Daniel Joseph, known as “Jimmy”.
Background to the Killing
Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC stated during the trial: “On two occasions in the lead-up to the murder on March 9, 2025, Jimmy and his men had confronted, and humiliated, members of the ‘Rico’ group when they were in the Talbot Green area.” In response, Huntley, Gordon, and Baptiste discussed obtaining a firearm and ammunition to “send a message” to their rivals.
On the day of the murder, Quailey-Dashper knocked on the front door of 10 Llys Illtyd. Rees said: “The trigger may have been pulled by Marcus Huntley, but the prosecution’s case is that each of Joshua Gordon, Marcus Huntley, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Kristina Ginova and Tony Porter, are jointly responsible for her murder. They each played their part in the death of Joanna Penney – knowing that they were acting to bring about, or assisting/encouraging others to bring about, at least really serious injury to another person.”
Sentencing Hearing
The sentencing hearing took place at Cardiff Crown Court on [date of article]. The public gallery was full, with around 10 members of counsel present. Judge Mr Justice Fordham presided over the logistics of the sentencing. Baptiste, who was convicted of murdering a man in Leicester and serving a minimum term of 25 years, now faces additional time for his role in Ms Penney’s death.
